2019-07-01_Southern_Living

Born to Harriett and Obie Avery, Goren grew up in the Smithfield community of Birmingham. After high school, he worked
his way up to waiter and then captain at a downtown restaurant, flaming tableside dishes like bananas Foster. When Highlands
Bar & Grill opened in 1982, chef Frank Stitt hired Avery to work the floor. Four nights a week, he charms and cajoles regulars,
delivering lectures on the Florida source of the flounder in sherry sauce and the French technique employed for the scallops
with sauce meunière. Forty-plus years after first tying on a waiter’s apron, he is a master at the height of his powers.

THE FRONT MAN GOREN “RED DOG” AVERY, BIRMINGHAM, AL